Composition and structures created therewith

ABSTRACT

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a composition is disclosed, which can be utilized to construct a retention structure, e.g., for use with hardscape such as pavers, tile, stone, and other building materials. The composition is a mixture of a cement component (e.g., Portland cement), a sand component, a gravel component, a silica fume component, and fiber component, the above-components mixed in varying ratios. When the cement component, sand component, gravel component, silica fume component, and fiber component are mixed in an effective amount, combined with a water component, and applied against a hardscape, the composition, once cured, defines a retention structure that abuts to, but is not adhered to the hardscape.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/579,758, filed Oct. 31, 2017, entitled“COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURES CREATED THERWITH”, the disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate generally tocompositions suitable for use in creating retention structures. Aspectsalso relate to structures, including retention structures, created usinga composition described herein.

Many outdoor structures (e.g., hardscape such as paver patios, walkways,and other features) are subject to inclement weather, variable weather,and other natural influences. One such natural influence is afluctuation of the ground, including ground shifting (e.g., heave),changes in ground level surface (e.g., due to erosion), etc., which candisplace or disturb the various outdoor structures.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a composition isdisclosed, which can be utilized to construct a retention structure,e.g., for use with hardscape such as pavers, tile, stone, and otherbuilding materials. The composition is a mixture of a cement component(e.g., Portland cement), a sand component, a gravel component, a silicafume component, and fiber component, the above-components mixed invarying ratios. When the cement component, sand component, gravelcomponent, silica fume component, and fiber component are mixed in aneffective amount, combined with a water component, and applied against ahardscape, the composition, once cured, defines a retention structurethat abuts to, but is not adhered to the hardscape.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, a hardscaperetention structure created by a process is disclosed. The processincludes mixing water with a composition of a cement component, a sandcomponent, a gravel component, a silica fume component, and a fibercomponent to define a mixture. The process also includes applying themixture along an edge of a hardscape. In addition, the process involvesshaping the mixture along the hardscape. When the cement component, sandcomponent, gravel component, silica fume component, and fiber componentare mixed in an effective amount and mixed with the water component,such that the mixture, once cured, results in a hardscape retentionstructure that abuts to, but is not adhered to the hardscape.

According to yet further aspects of the present disclosure, a processfor creating a continuous edging for hardscape is disclosed. The processincludes mixing water with a composition of a cement component, a sandcomponent, a gravel component, a silica fume component, and a fibercomponent to define a mixture. The process also includes applying themixture along an edge of a hardscape. In addition, the process involvesshaping the mixture along the hardscape. When the cement component, sandcomponent, gravel component, silica fume component, and fiber componentare mixed in an effective amount and mixed with the water component,such that the mixture, once cured, results in a continuous edging thatabuts to, but is not adhered to the hardscape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a vertical cut-away view of a retention structure forlandscape articles as known in the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a top down view of the retention structure for the landscapearticles as illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a vertical cut-away view of an example embodiment of aretention structure for landscape articles comprised of a compositiondisclosed herein according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cut-away view of another example embodiment of aretention structure for landscape articles comprised of a compositiondisclosed herein according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a top down view of an example embodiment of a retentionstructure for landscape articles comprised of a composition disclosedherein according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top down view of an alternate example embodiment of aretention structure for landscape articles comprised of a compositiondisclosed herein according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a vertical cut-away view of yet another example embodiment ofa retention structure for landscape articles comprised of a compositiondisclosed herein according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for a process of creating a continuous edging forhardscape according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Introduction

Ground level outdoor structures such as patios constructed using pavers,flagstones, and other interlocking stone systems (i.e., hardscapes) maybe subject to many different adverse conditions. For example, inclementweather and temperature cycling can cause the underlying base to shift,settle, heave, combinations thereof, etc., over time, which can have anadverse effect on the aesthetics and/or integrity of the hardscape, andcan even cause damage to adjacent structures. For instance, in the caseof ground pavers, sustained exposure to inclement weather and/or groundfluctuations may result in tipping or separation of the ground paversfrom one another.

In an attempt to mitigate effects of adverse conditions, including thoselisted above, solutions such as retention structures are used to retainhardscapes. However, such retention structure solutions are themselvessubject to failure due to the ground shifting, settling heaving, etc.,over time as described in greater detail below.

The composition(s) and retention structure(s) herein are specificallydesigned and engineered to be a restraint (e.g., edging) for anyhardscapes such as pavement system (e.g., pavers, flagstone, etc.) bycreating a strong, durable, long lasting edge.

The combined components that form the composition, as described morefully herein, provide an edging solution that is more flexible and waterresistant than concrete, mortar, etcetera. Still further, a mixtureformed by combining water and a composition described herein can bespread, poured, shaped, or otherwise applied in a thin profile, handtroweled into place, etc., and will not deteriorate like concrete ormortar.

Plastic Retention

Now referring to the figures, FIG. 1 is an illustrative example of aprevious retention structure solution 100 for pavers made out of aplastic material. In this example, pavers 102 are placed on a sub-base(e.g., a bed of sand) 104, both of which rest on a ground surface 106such as dirt. In order to retain the pavers 102 and sub-base 104, aliner 108 is placed along the pavers 102 and sub-base 104. The liner 108can be made from a variety of materials, but is typically plastic. Oncethe liner 108 is in place, a spike 110 or similar implement is punchedthrough the liner 108 into the ground surface 106.

Ideally, the liner 108 and the spike 110 hold tightly against the pavers102 to prevent the pavers 102 from shifting or breaking over time.However, one common issue with the retention structure solution 100 isthat over time, natural fluctuations of the ground surface 106 can causethe spike 110 to work its way out of the ground surface 106 (i.e.,“heave”) and separate from the liner 108, thus compromising theretention structure 100.

Further, foreign material (e.g., dirt) may enter a spatial gap 112located between the liner 108 and the paver 102/sub-base 104, whichallows water, snow, and other moisture to access the sub-base 104 andbreak down the sub-base 104 over time from multiple freeze and thawcycles during seasonal changes. Also, debris, grass, or mulch, can lodgein the spatial gap 112 creating an undesirable edge. Moreover, the liner108 is a material that is easily deformed, damaged, etc., through normaluse and enjoyment of the corresponding hardscape.

FIG. 2 is a top down view of the previous retention structure solution100 illustrated in FIG. 1, which further illustrates the spatial gap 112between the liner 108 and the paver 102. Moreover, certainimplementations of previous retention structure solution 100 separatethe liner 108 into multiple sections, which may further compromise thestructural integrity of previous retention structure solution 100. As aresult, field repair may become necessary over time.

Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward acomposition that, when implemented as a retention structure, overcomesthe issues presented above.

Composition Examples

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a composition example isdisclosed. The composition in comprises a cement component, a sandcomponent, a gravel component, a silica fume component, and a fibercomponent. When the cement component, sand component, gravel component,silica fume component, and fiber component are mixed in an effectiveamount, combined with a water component, and applied against ahardscape, the composition, once cured, defines a retention structurethat abuts to, but is not adhered to the hardscape.

As described herein, the composition may be a concrete-type composition.For this disclosure, cement and concrete are not used interchangeable.Generally, concrete is a mixture of aggregates and a paste. Aggregatesinclude sand, gravel, silica fume, fiber, etcetera. The paste includescement and water. As described in greater detail herein, althoughconcrete is comprised of aggregates and a paste, the composition, oncecured, defines a retention structure that abuts to, but surprisingly isnot adhered to the hardscape itself.

The cement component typically has a weight between about 10% and about25% by weight of the composition. In other embodiments, the cementcomponent has a weight between about 14% and about 19% by weight of thecomposition. In alternate embodiments, the cement component has a weightbetween about 16% and about 17% by weight of the composition. Onenon-limiting example of a suitable cement component is Portland cement.

Further, the sand component typically has a weight between about 30% andabout 50% by weight of the composition. In other embodiments, the sandcomponent has a weight between about 35% and about 45% by weight of thecomposition. In alternate embodiments, the sand component has a weightbetween about 38% and about 41% by weight of the composition. Onenon-limiting example of a suitable sand component is silica sand.

Yet further, the gravel component typically has a weight between about35% and about 55% by weight of the composition. In select embodiments,the gravel component has a weight between about 40% and about 50% byweight of the composition. Alternatively, in other embodiments, thegravel component has a weight between about 42% and about 46% by weightof the composition.

Additionally, the silica fume component typically has a weight betweenabout 0.20% and about 1.40% by weight of the composition. In variousembodiments, the silica fume component has a weight between about 0.40%and about 1.20% by weight of the composition. In other embodiments, thesilica fume component has a weight between about 0.60% and about 1.00%by weight of the composition. For this disclosure, silica fume (orequivalent component) is a siliceous material such that when combinedwith a cement or a concrete, improves various physical properties of thecement or concrete, such as overall strength, bond strength, orresistance to water.

Moreover, the fiber component typically has a weight between about0.005% and about 0.025% by weight of the composition. In variousembodiments, the fiber component has a weight between about 0.0100% andabout 0.0200% by weight of the composition. In alternate embodiments,the fiber component has a weight between about 0.0125% and about 0.0175%by weight of the composition. the fiber component is comprised of fibersthat are heterogeneous in length.

Examples of the fiber component include thermoplastic polymers,polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, nylon, acrylic, macro-fibers,micro-fibers, sika fibers, fiber blends, and other synthetic fibers.Under certain implementations, the fiber may also improve variousphysical aspects of cement or concrete.

As described in greater detail herein, varying amounts of the silicafume component and the fiber component may be used to increase strength,flexibility, and durability of the component and resulting retentionstructure.

Accordingly, when the cement component, sand component, gravelcomponent, silica fume component, and fiber component are mixed in aneffective amount, combined with a water component, and applied against ahardscape, the composition, once cured, defines a retention structurethat abuts to, but is not adhered to the hardscape. In variousembodiments, the water is between about 8% and about 12% of a totalweight of the composition.

In use, a worker mixes the composition with water (8%-12%) until thecomposition is workable, then spreads the composition into a desiredshape and location, (e.g., along the edges of a paver patio or otherstructure). The worker can use a tool such as a shovel to dispense themixture from a mixing station, and a trowel to shape the mixedcomposition into a desired shape (e.g., a wedge).

Effective Amount Examples

A first example of a composition utilizing effective amounts of cement,sand, gravel, silica fume, and fiber is illustrated in table 1 below.

TABLE 1 No. Ingredient Weight (lbs.) 1 Cement 26.6 2 Sand 53.7 3 Gravel59.2 4 Silica Fume 1.13 5 Fiber 0.02

For further illustration, a second example of a composition utilizingeffective amounts of cement, sand, gravel, silica fume, and fiber isillustrated in table 2 below.

TABLE 2 No. Ingredient Weight (%) 1 Cement 16.0 2 Sand 40.0 3 Gravel43.0 4 Silica Fume 1.00 5 Fiber 0.01

Table 1 and Table 2 are merely illustrative examples of effectiveamounts and are by no means limiting. The following are example rangesfor each component that yield effective amounts for the composition(s).As disclosed above, the cement component can range from about 10%-25% byweight, the sand component has a weight between about 30% and about 50%by weight, the gravel component has a weight between about 35% and about55% by weight, the silica fume component has a weight between about0.20% and about 1.40% by weight, and the fiber component having a weightbetween about 0.005% and about 0.025% by weight of the composition.

When the above components (in their respective effective amounts) arecombined with a water component, and applied against a hardscape, thecomposition, once cured, defines a retention structure that abuts to,but is not adhered to the hardscape.

Accordingly, the composition as disclosed herein has numerous physicaladvantages over traditional cement or concrete, such as higherdurability, flexibility, and water resistance. Traditional cement ormortar can be prone to cracking or sheering when exposed to inclementweather or ground fluctuations, but the composition as disclosed hereinis resistant to such forces. In various embodiments, the composition isindependent of all other components (i.e., the composition includessolely cement, sand, gravel, silica fume, and fiber).

Example Hardscape Retention Structure

FIG. 3 illustrates a vertical cut-away view of an example embodiment ofa retention structure 200 comprised of the composition(s) disclosedherein. In FIG. 3, hardscape 202 (e.g., pavers) are placed on a sub-base204, both of which rest on a ground surface 206 such as dirt. In manyembodiments, the retention structure 200 is comprised of a mixture of acement component, a sand component, a gravel component, a silica fumecomponent, and a polypropylene fiber component, wherein the retentionstructure has a height dimension 208 and a width dimension 210.

The retention structure can be created through various processes. In oneexample, the retention structure 200 is created from the process ofmixing a water component with a composition of a cement component, asand component, a gravel component, a silica fume component, and a fibercomponent to define a mixture. Thereafter, applying the mixture along anedge of a hardscape, and shaping the mixture along the hardscape. Whenthe cement component, sand component, gravel component, silica fumecomponent, and fiber component are mixed in an effective amount andmixed with the water component, the mixture, once cured, results in ahardscape retention structure that abuts to, but is not adhered to thehardscape.

When installed, in various embodiments the retention structure 200 isagainst the hardscape 202 (e.g., abuts the hardscape) along the heightdimension 208 of the retention structure 200, and tapers away from thehardscape 202 as the retention structure 200 extends along the widthdimension 210. The resulting shape of the retention structure 200 issimilar to that of a right triangle or a wedge, which are structurallystrong and resistant to deformation.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3, there is no longer a gap between theretention structure 200 and the hardscape 202 as is the case with otheredging solutions mentioned above (see reference numbers 102, 108, and112 in FIGS. 1-2). Thus, moisture and debris are prevented from gettingbetween the hardscape 202 and the retention structure 200, thusmitigating or eliminating the negative effects caused by freeze/thawcycles.

In typical concrete applications, concrete tends to grab or bind ontoadjacent surfaces and structures, which makes removal of the concretedifficult and time consuming. Conversely, in various embodiments asdescribed herein, the retention structure is flush to, but not adheredto the hardscape, which allows for easier removal of the retentionstructure 200 if the retention structure 200 is damaged or a newshape/contour is desired.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, various implementations of the retentionstructure 200 comprise a substantially closed pore surface 212 on a topportion on the retention structure 200 that resists water penetrationinto the retention structure 200. The substantially closed pore surface212 can be created, for example, by striking a top surface (exposed) ofthe retention structure 200 after it has been applied, but before theretention structure 200 fully cures. The substantially closed poresurface 212 provides multiple advantages when compared to traditionalconcrete applications.

For instance, the substantially closed pore surface 212 being waterimpermeable allows organic material 214 to grow on top of the retentionstructure 200 if desired, which is typically not the case withtraditional concrete as traditional concrete is water permeable. Whereastraditional concrete wicks moisture away from the organic material 214,thus killing the organic material 214, the retention structure 200repels water, thus allowing organic material 214 to survive.

The substantially closed pore surface 212 also creates a dichotomy wherewater and moisture does not enter the retention structure 200 throughthe substantially closed pore surface 212, but allows moisture to absorbinto the retention structure 200 from underneath (i.e., waterpermeable). This absorption helps regulate ground moisture to preventundesirable effects. In this regard, whereas moisture absorbing intotraditional concrete is typically undesirable due to freeze/thaw cyclesbreaking down the concrete, the retention structure 200 resists thefreeze/thaw cycles due in part from air (in the form of air pockets)being introduced into the retention structure 200 via the silica fume.Further, the air introduced by the silica fume also make it easier tostrike the surface of the retention structure 200 to form thesubstantially closed pore surface 212.

The overall dimensions of the retention structure 200 may vary based onneed. In some implementations, retention structure's width dimension istwo times that of the retention structure's height dimension. Forexample, the retention structure may be 3 inches (approximately 7.62centimeters) tall and 6 inches (approximately 15.24 centimeters) widewith a variable length (i.e., long enough to span the pavers 202). Inanother example, the retention structure may be 2 inches (approximately5.08 centimeters) tall and 4 inches (approximately 10.16 centimeters)wide.

FIGS. 5-6 are top down views of the retention structure 200 appliedalong a hardscape 202 (the ground surface 206 shown for context).Contour and shape characteristics of the retention structure 200 can bemodified or customized to suit need. In FIG. 5, for example, the shapeand contour of the retention structure 200 linear to match the hardscape202. However, the retention structure 200 can be formed to create morecomplex shapes and contours as shown in FIG. 6.

In FIG. 6, the retention structure 200 follows a curved contour of thehardscape 202. FIG. 6 also illustrates another advantage of theretention structure 200 over previous solutions (traditional concrete,plastic edges, etc.). Previous solutions may have a segmented ordisjointed structure (see. FIG. 2, reference number 108), which mayfurther compromise overall structural integrity.

Conversely, the retention structure 200 can provide a continuousstructure along the hardscape 202, which provides higher overallstructural integrity along the hardscape 202 and the sub-base, whichstays in place during freeze/thaw cycles, thus retaining the sand bedthat forms the foundation for the hardscape 202. Unlike other solutions,the retention structure 200 “floats” on the ground surface, thus movingwith the ground surface when ground shifts occur, which prevents or atleast minimizes cracking or sheering of the retention structure 200.Whereas other edging solutions such as liners and spikes (see. FIG. 1,reference numbers 108 and 110) may degrade from heaves caused by groundshifts, the retention structure 200 is virtually unaffected.

Moreover, since the retention structure 200 can be applied, spread, orsmoothed with a trowel, it is easy to tightly couple the createdretention structure 200 with the hardscape 202, resulting in no gapbetween the pavers and edge, even given complex paver geometries.Because there is no gap, a point of failure in conventional paver/linerinterfaces is eliminated.

Further, due to the customizable nature of the retention structure 200,a user can thicken or widen the retention structure 200 to adapt tosections of hardscape that apply increased pressure to associatedretention structures. For example, in FIG. 6, if the curved section ofthe hardscape 202 is downhill, then more pressure may be applied to theretention structure 200, thus increasing the chance for structuralfailure. In response, the user can reinforce the retention structure 200by making the retention structure 200 taller, wider, etc. as shown inFIG. 6.

Referring briefly to FIG. 7, the customizable nature of the retentionstructure 200 also allows a user to create a variety of alternativeshapes and contours using a trowel, or a specialized tool.

Process for Creating a Continuous Edging for Hardscape

Referring to the figures, and in particular FIG. 8, a process 800 forcreating a continuous edging for hardscape is disclosed. The process 800comprises mixing at 802 water with a composition of a cement component,a sand component, a gravel component, a silica fume component, and afiber component to define a mixture. In certain implementations, mixing802 comprises mixing water with a composition consisting of the cementcomponent, the sand component, the gravel component, the silica fumecomponent, and the fiber (i.e., only those components).

Further, the process 800 comprises applying at 804 the mixture along anedge of a hardscape.

Yet further, the process 800 comprises shaping at 806 the mixture alongthe hardscape, thereby defining a continuous edging. In variousimplementation, shaping 806 the mixture comprises striking at 808 a topsurface of the continuous edging to create a substantially closed poretop layer that resists water penetration into the continuous edging.

In addition, various implementations comprise introduces air into themixture (e.g., from silica fume) to create pockets within the mixturesuch that when the continuous edging is defined, the continuous edgingis water permeable and resists freeze and thaw cycles.

Benefits of the Present Disclosure

In addition to the numerous benefits of the retention structure(s) andcontinuous edging(s) disclosed above, another benefit includeslongevity. Traditional liners (e.g., plastic liners) can fail in asshort as one to three years. When the liner fails, the sub-base (e.g.,sand) can escape through the liner failure, which can cause failed edgesand paver/hardscape field separation. The composition according toaspects of the present disclosure, conversely, may last up to three tofive times the life of a conventional liner, or may provide a permanentsolution in some cases, thus dramatically reducing (or eliminating) edgeand field repairs.

Further, installation and set/cure time (i.e., compared to traditionalconcrete) is improved. While tradition concrete may take twenty-four toforty-eight hours to set, the composition as disclosed herein can beinstalled and set at around four hours. Even plastic liners, dependingon the geometry of the hardscape, can take around eight hours or more.One factor that contributes to the reduced set/cure time is a lowerwater content by volume of the composition. The lower water content byvolume allows the composition to set and cure faster than othersolutions.

Another advantage of the lower water content by volume is that thecomposition will have little to no “slump”. Generally, slump is ameasure of consistency of fresh (i.e., uncured) concrete. If too muchslump exists, then shaping the composition is difficult because thecomposition will tend to slide or deform. Conversely, the compositionhaving little to no slump allows a user to sharply define desired shapesand contours.

Miscellaneous

In any of the compositions herein, the gravel can be any suitablegravel, and in one example embodiment has a size that ranges from about0.45 centimeters to about 0.55 centimeters (although other sizes andsize ranges can be utilized). In any of the compositions herein, thesilica fume can comprise a densified dry powder micro silica admixture.Moreover, in any of the compositions herein, the fiber can comprise amonofilament fiber having a typical fiber length of about 0.5 inches(approximately 1.27 centimeters), although other lengths or combinationsof length can be utilized.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Aspectsof the disclosure were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the disclosure and the practical application, and toenable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosurefor various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition for a retention structure, thecomposition comprising: a cement component; a sand component; a gravelcomponent; a silica fume component; and a fiber component; wherein whenthe cement component, sand component, gravel component, silica fumecomponent, and fiber component are mixed in an effective amount,combined with a water component, and applied against a hardscape, suchthat the composition, once cured, defines a retention structure thatabuts to, but is not adhered to the hardscape.
 2. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the composition is independent of all other components.3. The composition of claim 1, wherein: the water component that isbetween about 8% and about 12% of a total weight of the composition. 4.The composition of claim 1, wherein: the cement component has a weightbetween about 10% and about 25% by weight of the composition; the sandcomponent has a weight between about 30% and about 50% by weight of thecomposition; the gravel component has a weight between about 35% andabout 55% by weight of the composition; the silica fume component has aweight between about 0.20% and about 1.40% by weight of the composition;and the fiber component having a weight between about 0.005% and about0.025% by weight of the composition.
 5. The composition of claim 1,wherein: the cement component has a weight between about 14% and about19% by weight of the composition; the sand component has a weightbetween about 35% and about 45% by weight of the composition; the gravelcomponent has a weight between about 40% and about 50% by weight of thecomposition, the silica fume component has a weight between about 0.40%and about 1.20% by weight of the composition; and the fiber componenthas a weight between about 0.0100% and about 0.0200% by weight of thecomposition.
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein: the cementcomponent has a weight between about 16% and about 17% by weight of thecomposition; the sand component has a weight between about 38% and about41% by weight of the composition; the gravel component has a weightbetween about 42% and about 46% by weight of the composition; the silicafume component has a weight between about 0.60% and about 1.00% byweight of the composition; and the fiber component has a weight betweenabout 0.0125% and about 0.0175% by weight of the composition.
 7. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the fiber component is comprised offibers that are heterogeneous in length.
 8. The composition of claim 1,wherein a mixture of the cement component, the sand component, thegravel component, the silica fume component, and the fiber component ispackaged in an effective amount such that when mixed with water thecomposite can be shaped to define a retention structure for paver,stone, concrete, and interlocking hardscape systems.
 9. The compositionof claim 1, wherein the sand component is silica sand.
 10. A hardscaperetention structure created by a process comprising: mixing water with acomposition of a cement component, a sand component, a gravel component,a silica fume component, and a fiber component to define a mixture;applying the mixture along an edge of a hardscape; and shaping themixture along the hardscape; wherein when the cement component, sandcomponent, gravel component, silica fume component, and fiber componentare mixed in an effective amount and mixed with the water component,such that the mixture, once cured, results in a hardscape retentionstructure that abuts to, but does not adhere to the hardscape.
 11. Thehardscape retention structure of claim 10, wherein the hardscaperetention structure further comprises: a substantially closed poresurface on a top portion on the hardscape retention structure thatresists water penetration into the hardscape retention structure
 12. Thehardscape retention structure of claim 10, wherein: the hardscaperetention structure is a continuous structure along the hardscape. 13.The hardscape retention structure of claim 10, wherein when installed:the hardscape retention structure is against the hardscape along theheight dimension of the retention structure; the retention structuretapers away from the hardscape as the hardscape retention structureextends along the width dimension; and the hardscape retentionstructure's width dimension is two times that of the hardscape retentionstructure's height dimension.
 14. The hardscape retention structure ofclaim 13, wherein: the retention structure's width dimension is at leastfour inches.
 15. The hardscape retention structure of claim 10, wherein:the hardscape retention structure is water permeable.
 16. The hardscaperetention structure of claim 10, wherein: the hardscape retentionstructure is flush to the hardscape but is not adhered to the hardscape.17. A process of creating a continuous edging for hardscape comprising:mixing water with a composition of a cement component, a sand component,a gravel component, a silica fume component, and a fiber component todefine a mixture; applying the mixture along an edge of a hardscape; andshaping the mixture along the hardscape; wherein when the cementcomponent, sand component, gravel component, silica fume component, andfiber component are mixed in an effective amount and mixed with thewater component, such that the mixture, once cured, results in acontinuous edging that abuts to, but does not adhere to the hardscape.18. The process of claim 17, wherein shaping the mixture comprises:striking a top surface of the continuous edging to create asubstantially closed pore top layer that resists water penetration intothe continuous edging.
 19. The process of claim 17, wherein mixing watercomprises: mixing water with a composition consisting of the cementcomponent, the sand component, the gravel component, the silica fumecomponent, and the fiber.
 20. The process of claim 17, wherein mixingfurther comprises introducing air into the mixture to create pocketswithin the mixture such that when the continuous edging is defined, thecontinuous edging is water permeable.